Predicting Productive Performance in Grow-Finisher Pigs Using Birth and Weaning Body Weight

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) investigate the effect of birth and weaning body weight (BW) on performance indicators of grow-finisher pigs and (2) estimate birth and weaning BW cut-off values in order to identify slow growing pigs (SGP). Pigs (n = 144) were classified as SMALL (0.9 ± 0.13 kg) or BIG (1.4 ± 0.20 kg) at birth and re-classified as SMALL (5.4 ± 1.6 kg) or BIG (6.3 ± 1.91 kg) at weaning. Individual BW was recorded bi-weekly, and feed intake was recorded on a daily basis. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and days to target slaughter weight (TSW) were calculated. SMALL–SMALL pigs had lower ADG (p < 0.05) requiring 167.1 days (i.e., 14.2 extra days) to TSW (p < 0.05) compared with BIG pigs at birth and/or weaning. However, FCR was similar between groups (p > 0.05). Pigs weaned at <3.7 kg BW would likely be SGP. Pigs born at ≥1.1 kg BW or weaned at ≥6.4 kg BW are more likely to reach TSW at 22 weeks of age. The results suggest that birth BW might not be the best predictor for subsequent performance, as some small-born pigs were able to catch up with their bigger counterparts. The cut-off values identified could be used to design specific management and nutritional strategies for SGP.

Management and Feeding Strategies in Early Life to Increase Piglet Performance and Welfare around Weaning: A Review

“…Recently, Montoro et al [ 8 ] showed similar findings, as they found that birth BW has a low capacity to act as a predictor of subsequent growth until slaughter, mainly because BW categories can change throughout lactation. Furthermore, similar results were observed when suitable and practical indicators of early carcass depreciation were determined, and the conclusion was that BW could be a valid predictor at the end of nursery [ 7 ].…”

Identifying challenges to manage body weight variation in pig farms implementing all-in-all-out management practices and their possible implications for animal health: a case study

“…However, delaying weaning up to 49 d of age did not improve performance as this group of pigs (cohort 4) continued to grow slower and kept being delayed throughout the successive stages. Indeed, Camp Montoro et al [ 26 ] observed that pigs with a body weight < 3.7 kg at 28 days of age would require approximately 20 days more to reach target body weight (i.e. 110 kg) compared with pigs over that threshold.…”

“…110 kg) compared with pigs over that threshold. Nonetheless, Camp Montoro et al [ 26 ] reported that such pigs had similar feed conversion ratio to their bigger counterparts without any delays or special attention [ 27 ].…”

“…Also, the longer occupation period of pens housing slow growing pigs during the finish stage would reduce the number of pigs produced per pig space available per year. Furthermore, slow growing pigs are reported to have increased feed intake due to the extra time they spend in the finisher stage [ 26 ] likely increasing production costs. Additionally, some slow growing pigs would not be able to reach an acceptable slaughter weight in spite of the extra allotted time in the finisher stage and they will have to be sold at a discount price (e.g.…”

“…110 kg) compared with pigs over that threshold. Nonetheless, Camp Montoro et al [26] reported Table 4 Feed cost per meat produced a , sale income b and margin over feed costs c (mean ± SD, €/pig) for four main cohorts of pigs retrospectively identified according to the time they spent in each of the production stages in a study investigating management approaches for body weight variation in a farrow-to-finish pig commercial farm and their possible implications for animal health that such pigs had similar feed conversion ratio to their bigger counterparts without any delays or special attention [27].…”